How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a other illness that might be a better explanation for their problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Your GP should consider your concerns seriously and ask why you believe you might have ADHD. Your GP should then refer you the NHS for an assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If medication is prescribed for you, you may be able to access it. You'll have to see your GP and tell them why you suspect that you may have ADHD, and what effect it has on your life. Your GP should take this seriously, and they will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool before they send you to a specialist to have an assessment. For adults, it will be particularly important to prepare a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will collaborate with you closely to determine whether you have ADHD. They will employ different tools and methods, including symptoms checklists and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and create an assessment report. They will then discuss their recommendations with you, which could be that you are diagnosed with ADHD and, if appropriate you should be treated with medication.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to make an appointment to an assessment or not agree to prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The charity Psychiatry-UK offers some useful information on this subject on their website here.
In England you have the legal right to choose the place where you get an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service does not exceed what you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you're unable to get an improvement from your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you are located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can try to access services via Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK provides some advice on this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to receive an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. The second is to go through the NHS and request your GP to refer you. This is a lengthy process and you may need to wait years for a diagnosis. You may also opt for the 'Right to Choose" pathway. This is a new legal right that means that should you feel that NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can ask to be directed to a private service via this route.
If you choose to do this, your GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements for patients who have been diagnosed privately, particularly since they are not experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of its medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then make an appointment with a private service of your choosing. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if older than 11) before conducting an initial assessment. The doctor will then give you an exact indication of whether they think that your symptoms could be due to ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment, if it is thought that ADHD might be causing your problems then they will typically send you some additional questionnaires to fill out for your school or work. Then, they'll schedule an appointment with you to discuss their findings and explain the diagnosis. This appointment will give you the chance to discuss medication options. If they determine that medication is required and you are unable to get it, your GP will then be informed and requested to prescribe the medication for you. Your specialist will discuss any other suggestions regarding support at school or work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also offer free advice and support between appointments, either via emails or phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health issues. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment performed by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're concerned about waiting times, talk to your GP about 'Right to Choose', a new NHS initiative that grants you the right to choose the clinic to which you are referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting lists and could make the whole process much more efficient.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, the psychiatrist will take an extensive history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll then conduct an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it might be beneficial to note down some examples and become familiar with the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with teachers, family members, and colleagues. The psychiatrist will require accurate and complete data to make the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist thinks that you or your child have ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve a variety of tests that include psychological tests as well as brain imaging to determine the severity of the disorder.
Some people opt to have their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more commonplace as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. Depending on where you reside in the UK there are a number of companies that offer private assessments for ADHD. You can check out a list of them here, or speak to your GP about which option is the best one for you. Private assessments are often quicker than relying on the NHS however it is important to know that your health insurance will not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For example it can impact your relationships or work. A clear diagnosis can help to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, because of a increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up and waiting times can be long. Some people choose to pay privately for their test. This allows them to bypass NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
After you've been diagnosed with ADHD the next step is to develop a treatment plan. This could be CBT or medication. This is something to think about prior to your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on where you live in the UK. If this is the situation you will be directed to a paediatrician or psychiatrist who will examine your symptoms, and then determine a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
adhd assessment women can self-refer in the event that you don't have a GP referral. A private mental health practitioner will conduct an ADHD assessment. This is usually quicker than the NHS route, but you should check whether your doctor has signed an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private clinician.
When you're tested for ADHD the doctor will ask questions regarding your present and previous behavior. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask you about how these traits are affecting your life now. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and to note down instances of instances where you've been affected by these traits in your life before making an appointment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it can be a life-changing experience. It can open the door to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of yourself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find particularly beneficial. It can also lead to better relationships and a fulfilled life.